What Is My IP Address? IPv4 and IPv6 Explained

Every device that connects to the internet is assigned an IP address – a unique numerical label that identifies it on the network. There are two versions in active use: IPv4 and IPv6.

IPv4

IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4) has been the dominant addressing standard since 1983. An IPv4 address looks like this: 185.132.179.31 – four groups of numbers separated by dots, each between 0 and 255. IPv4 supports approximately 4.3 billion unique addresses. Given there are now far more internet-connected devices than that, we have essentially run out of public IPv4 addresses, which is why most mobile and IoT connections sit behind carrier-grade NAT (CGNAT).

IPv6

IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) was designed to solve the IPv4 exhaustion problem. An IPv6 address looks like this: 2a00:23c8:7b09:e700:1:2:3:4 – eight groups of hexadecimal digits separated by colons. IPv6 supports 340 undecillion addresses (3.4 x 10^38), effectively unlimited for any foreseeable requirement.

Why does my IP address change?

Most ISPs assign dynamic IP addresses – these rotate periodically or when your connection resets. Business broadband customers can often request a static (fixed) IP. For cellular and IoT SIMs, nearly all consumer SIMs sit behind CGNAT with no public IPv4 address at all. If your router needs a reachable public IP for remote access or VPN tunnels, you will need a private APN or a static IP SIM.

What does my IP address reveal?

Your IP address reveals your ISP, an approximate city-level location (not your street address), and whether you are connecting via IPv4 or IPv6. It does not reveal your name, exact address, or any personally identifiable information directly.

IPv4 vs IPv6 – which should I see?

If you see an IPv4 address above, your connection is currently using IPv4 (or you are behind a NAT/CGNAT with an IPv4 public address). If you also see an IPv6 address, your ISP or network supports dual-stack connectivity. Many UK business broadband and mobile providers now deliver both. IoT and industrial cellular deployments typically remain on IPv4 with private APNs.

Check your current IP address on the PingReboot Network Tools page ->